Review of Appaloosa (2008) by Cuz'n S — 16 Aug 2009

Old style western with modern flawed hero types. There are no drawn-out, slow-mo, blood-splattered gun fight scenes. As one of the characters mentions as he is laying in the dirt after one such fight, "That was quick." Yep, and surprisingly intense. Except for one bit (dealing with a kidnapping) I could not predict what would happen next. And I liked that. Also, it helps to have a top-notch cast, including one of my faves, Lance Henrickson.

Ed Harris' performance as a very flawed, hard-nosed lawman is excellent, but he would certainly be hard to take for 2 hours if it wasn't for his on-screen partner in viggo's character, who is the audience's POV for the most part.

And I love the ending!

Interesting complex when one thinks about it after it is over and worth a second look. The doalogue is not so much there to reveal plot but to reveal character.

Not stylish in directing, but adequate for its purpose.

Most likely people will overlook this for the louder and more "action-packed" 3:10 to Yuma... too bad...